Combination of nanoparticles and microfluidics promises to boost cancer research and personalized therapies

O Grupo de Investigação 3B’s liderada por Rui L. Reis, desenvolveu uma plataforma composta por nanopartículas e microfluidos para a monitorização e visualização de células cancerígenas, em tempo real.

Autores e Afiliações:

Mariana Carvalho^1,2, Raquel Maia^1,2, Joana Silva-Correia^1,2, Bruno Costa^2,3, Rui L. Reis^1,2 & Joaquim M. Oliveira^1,2*

¹ 3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables & Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Avepark - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal.

² ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.

³ Life & Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.

*Autor correspondente 

Abstract:

Aim: Develop a platform composed of labeled dendrimer nanoparticles (NPs) and a microfluidic device for real-time monitoring of cancer cells fate. 

Materials & methods: Carboxymethylchitosan/poly(amidoamine) dendrimer NPs were labeled with fluorescein-5(6)-isothiocyanate and characterized using different physicochemical techniques. After, HeLa, HCT-116 and U87MG were cultured in the presence of NPs, and cell viability and internalization efficiency in static (standard culture) and dynamic (microfluidic culture) conditions were investigated. 

Results: Cancer cells cultured with NPs in dynamic conditions were viable and presented higher internalization levels as compared with static 2D cultures. 

Conclusion: This work demonstrated that the proposed microfluidic-based platform allows real-time monitoring, which upon more studies, namely, the assessment of an anticancer drug release effect could be used for cancer theranostics.

Revista: Nanomedicine

Link: http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/nnm-2016-0344